Thirty-five is usually the age when rec league hockey players start playing "Oldtimers" hockey. It's not too common that players of that age, and older, star or contribute greatly at the NHL level. Following is a list (one short of a dozen) of players over 35 years of age who are still performing at a very high level in the NHL. (Stats are as of Feb.2/11)
G - TIM THOMAS, Boston - 35-year-old played in 2011 NHL All Star game. Won Vezina Trophy in 2008-09. Has put up career numbers in 2010-11 after winning back job as #1 Bruins goalie from Tuuku Rask. As of Feb. 2 Thomas had a record of 25-5-6 with 1.82 goals-against-average and an impressive .940 save percentage. Leading league in save percentage, goals against, wins and shutouts.
G - DWAYNE ROLOSON, Tampa Bay. The second oldest player in the NHL at 41, Roloson has posted five straight wins including two shutouts, as of this writing. He is 8-3 in 11 appearances with the Lightning after coming over from the New York Islanders in trade.
Didn't Make the List- Martin Brodeur, G, 38, of New Jersey would have made this "best over 35" list again but is having his career-worst season.
D - NICKLAS LIDSTROM, 40, Detroit. Captained Team Lidstrom at the recent NHL All Star game. Scored first NHL hat trick this season. Smoth as silk defender is still a premier NHL defenseman. Has 42 points (11-31) after 49 games and is second in team scoring.
D - BRIAN RAFALSKI, 37, Detroit. Effective puckmoving defenseman has 32 points (4-28) in 38 games for Red Wings this season.
D - CHRIS PRONGER, 36, Philadelphia. Missed over a month with a foot injury. Has four goals and 17 assists in 36 games. Experienced, big and menacing, he still can clear the crease and contribute some offense.
D - KIMMO TIMONEN, 35, Philaelphia. Veteran Finn has three goals and 22 assists in 51 games for Flyers.
Didn't Make the List- Sergei Gonchar, D, 36, of Ottawa has only 21 points (6-15) in 51 games- far from his normal production.
RW - MARK RECCHI, 43, Boston- Oldest player in the NHL. Tied for third in team scoring with ten goals and 23 assists for 33 points in 51 games. Besides contributing on the scoresheet, the veteran provides leadership and grit for the Bruins.
RW - MARTIN ST. LOUIS, 35, Tampa Bay. Diminutive winger continues to provide offense for Lightning. Second on Lightning in points (62) and tops in assists (42). Had also contributed 20 goals after 52 games.
RW - TEEMU SELANNE, 40, Anaheim. "The Finnish Flash" is scoring at above a point-a-game pace in his 19th NHL season. He has 45 points (15-30) in 43 games and is second in Ducks scoring.
RW - MILAN HEJDUK, (35 on Feb.14), Colorado. Having his best season since 2002-03 with 42 points (15-27) in 43 games. Third in Avs scoring and an important part of their power play.
Didn't Make the List- Daniel Alfredsson, 38, Ottawa. Like the Senators, Alfredsson is having a bad year.
LW - RAY WHITNEY, 38, Phoenix. With ten goals and 27 assists for 37 points in 50 games, Whitney is second in Coyotes team scoring.
Wouldn't any of these players make the perfect "ringer" for your Oldtimers or pickup hockey team? Which of these players would you want on your favourite NHL team? Which of these players would help your fantasy teams?
